Hockeyroos out in quarters: ‘We fought till the end’

The Hockeyroos came out firing with their trademark electric start, finding space and piling immediate pressure on China, and it paid off fast.

Star striker Alice Arnott, scoring within 10 minutes off the penalty corner, poised in exactly the right spot to get the deflection on Claire Colwill’s powerful drag flick.

Celebrating her fourth goal in five games, Alice was once again exceptional all over the park in what was a standout debut Olympic appearance.

But as she fired, Australia held the lead for only a minute before China answered straight back, scoring off their first penalty corner to kickstart their winning charge.

China bagged another in right before the half with some fine work in the circle before Queensland’s Tatum Stewart, also having an Olympic debut to cherish, helped claw back the deficit when her hit bounced through four defenders and into the net.

Australia had five final-quarter penalty corners as they pushed to equalise, but Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao made two brilliant saves to end Australia’s medal hopes.

As the Hockeyroos huddled, the curtain fell on Renee Taylor and co-captain Jane Claxton’s incredible careers for Australia. Jane celebrated her 250th international in an Olympic quarter-final which would double to be her last in green and gold.

Read the full story at olympics.com.au